Fiji welcomes Tonga's bid for a diplomatic mission in Suva

Fiji’s President Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu has formally acknowledged and expressed keen appreciation for Tonga’s recent declaration of interest in establishing a permanent diplomatic presence in Suva.

In a high-level meeting with the King of Tonga, Tupou VI, at the State House in Suva on Tuesday, Ratu Naiqama reaffirmed Fiji’s commitment to facilitating the process.

“It is with great honour that I welcome this initiative," Ratu Naiqama says.

"Our teams will work together to explore suitable options to bring this vision to life.”

The interest in having a diplomatic mission in Suva was first highlighted in a meeting between Fiji Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka and his Tonga counterpart, Dr ‘Aisake Valu Eke, in Nadi in May.

Rabuka is confident the mission would strengthen trade and investment flows between the two nations and open up new avenues for cooperation in agriculture, fisheries, manufacturing, tourism, and digital services.

It also highlights Suva's growing role as a regional hub for diplomatic activities in the Pacific.

Ratu Naiqama is thankful to the Tongan Government for its continued support and care for the Fijian community residing in Tonga, he says.

An estimated 2000 Fijians now live in Tonga, with many undertaking domestic work or hospitality roles.

King Tupou VI and President Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu share a light moment at the state banquet. Photo/ Fiji government

Ratu Naiqama highlights that Tonga could greatly benefit from Fiji’s Volunteer Scheme, in which Fijian professionals in health, policing, and education can make meaningful contributions to Tonga’s national development.

On the regional front, Ratu Naiqama emphasises the need for Pacific unity in addressing climate change, economic distress, transnational crime, and pressures on health and education systems.

“The Pacific faces a ‘poly-crisis’ that risks undermining decades of development progress,” Ratu Naiqama says.

“Now more than ever, regionalism and solidarity must guide our response.”

King Tupou VI and Queen Nanasipauʻu Tukuʻaho at State House in Suva. Photo/Fiji government

King Tupou VI has conveyed sincere gratitude for Fiji’s unwavering friendship and notes the growing potential for enhanced collaboration in trade, education, and capacity building.

“Fiji and Tonga share an unbreakable bond built on kinship, mutual respect, and a commitment to Pacific solidarity,” King Tupou VI says.

“Our cooperation continues to deliver meaningful results for our people.

“We look forward to expanding these efforts in the spirit of unity, shared prosperity, and the Pacific way.”

Tonga's King Tupou VI and Fiji's President Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu at State House following the bilateral talks. Photo/Fiji government

Following the meeting with Ratu Naiqama, the Tongan King and Queen Nanasipauʻu Tukuʻaho hosted a state banquet for Ratu Naiqama and his wife at the State House to mark the end of their official state visit.

A notable presence at the banquet was Tongan Princess Salote Pilolevu.

The Tongan royal entourage later travelled to Lakeba in Lau for the installation of the Tui Nayau, Tui Lau, Sau ni Vanua ko Lau, Ratu Tevita Kapaiwai Lutunauga Uluilakeba Mara on Thursday.